Ahmad Rafique, noted poet, essayist, Rabindra researcher, and veteran of Bangladesh’s Language Movement, passed away at 96 in Dhaka’s BIRDEM Hospital on Thursday night. He had been suffering from kidney complications and several mild strokes in recent weeks, eventually placed on life support before his death. Born in Brahmanbaria in 1929, Rafique lived alone in Dhaka after losing his wife in 2006. Childless, he leaves behind a vast personal collection of books as his lasting legacy.

Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter said this season’s hilsa production has been lower than expected due to jatka catching, widespread use of current and Chinese nets, and blocked river routes. A 22-day fishing ban from October 4–25 will be strictly enforced with police, navy, air force, and drones to protect spawning hilsa. Last year, 52.5% of mother hilsa were safeguarded, and greater success is expected this year. Diplomats also joined cultural events at Kumudini Welfare Trust in Tangail.

The government has extended the tenure of the independent investigation commission probing the 2009 BDR massacre at Pilkhana headquarters until November 30. Originally formed on December 24 last year with Major General (Retd.) A L M Fazlur Rahman as chairman, the commission was initially given three months, later extended twice by three months each, ending September 30. A new extension order, effective from October 1, was issued Tuesday night by the Cabinet Division. The commission’s mandate includes uncovering the nature of the tragic events on February 25–26, 2009, identifying perpetrators, instigators, conspirators, evidence destroyers, and both domestic and international actors involved. This extension aims to ensure a comprehensive and conclusive report on one of the most tragic episodes in Bangladesh’s history, which left the nation in deep shock and mourning.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has extended greetings to the Hindu community on Durga Puja and Vijayadashami, emphasizing peace, harmony, and security for all. In a statement, he said Bangladesh’s heritage is built on religious coexistence and cultural values, where festivals unite people across faiths. Stressing that “religion belongs to individuals, but security is the responsibility of the state,” he called upon Hindu citizens to celebrate freely without fear. He cited constitutional guarantees of equal protection and referenced Islamic teachings against injustice to non-Muslims. Rahman urged law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant to prevent communal unrest or security threats. He asserted that ensuring mutual respect, brotherhood, and safety is not just a constitutional duty but also a moral responsibility, and that resisting oppression and protecting diversity is essential for a just and democratic Bangladesh.

Malaysia is set to introduce a groundbreaking reform in its labor market, making Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions mandatory for foreign workers from October 2025. Both employers and employees must contribute 2% of monthly wages, creating long-term retirement savings opportunities for over two million legal migrant workers. However, domestic workers will remain exempt. To qualify, workers must hold valid passports and immigration-approved work passes. The policy aims to strengthen social security, ensure labor market fairness, and provide equal retirement benefits regardless of nationality. Authorities have already begun meetings with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and employer groups, to ensure smooth implementation. Registration will be available online or at EPF offices, with biometric updates required from January 2026. Experts believe this marks a historic step in labor reforms, though challenges remain in compliance and enforcement.

A recent poll by The New York Times and Siena University reveals a historic shift in American attitudes toward Israel. Nearly two years into Israel’s Gaza offensive, support among US voters has dropped dramatically, with many opposing additional American financial and military aid. While 47% backed Israel after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, new data shows only 34% still support Israel, compared to 35% siding with Palestinians, and 31% choosing neutrality. Six in ten Americans now want Israel to stop the war even without freeing all hostages or defeating Hamas. Almost 40% believe Israel is deliberately killing civilians in Gaza—double last year’s number. The survey, conducted in English and Spanish with 1,313 respondents nationwide, highlights a record-breaking anti-Israel sentiment not seen since polling began in 1998, with sympathy increasingly tilting toward Palestinians.

Around 3.75 lakh teachers and staff from non-government schools and colleges under the MPO scheme are set to receive their September salaries and allowances by mid-next week. The delay occurred due to the Durga Puja holiday, which suspended office activities. According to an official from the Education Management Information System (EMIS) under the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, the salaries have already been deposited into iBAS and will be disbursed on October 6 or 7. Earlier, on September 28, the proposal for disbursement was sent to the Education Ministry. Among the total staff, nearly 2.89 lakh work in schools, while over 86,000 are employed in colleges. This update brings relief to MPO-enlisted teachers and employees who had been waiting for their payments.

The United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York hosts a high-level international conference today focusing on the plight of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. Representatives from at least 75 countries and organizations, including heads of state and government, are participating. The meeting aims to strengthen political support, maintain global attention, review the crisis, and adopt measures to address root causes and human rights concerns. A key priority is ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will deliver the opening speech. Turkey will represent the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, while Kuwait will represent the Gulf Cooperation Council. Ahead of the event, UN officials held talks with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser on funding, repatriation roadmap, refugee education, and addressing the conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued an urgent directive ensuring that import-export operations will continue during the upcoming Durga Puja holidays. According to a notification issued on September 30, customs houses and stations will remain partially operational on October 1 and 2, despite being official holidays. This measure is intended to keep trade uninterrupted and facilitate smooth handling of imports and exports. The NBR instructed all concerned authorities to take necessary steps for maintaining limited services during the holidays. Previously, similar arrangements were made during Eid holidays. This year, October 1 is a government-declared special holiday, and October 2 is a general holiday for Durga Puja. Combined with the weekend on October 3 and 4, government employees will enjoy a continuous four-day holiday.

A devastating suicide car bomb attack struck outside the Frontier Corps regional headquarters in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, killing at least 10 people and injuring over 30 others. The blast occurred Tuesday on Zarghoon Road and was followed by intense gunfire. Victims included two security personnel and several civilians, according to provincial health minister Bakhit Muhammad Kakar. CCTV footage showed a vehicle exploding as it approached the FC headquarters. Authorities confirmed it was a suicide attack, with multiple assailants killed in the operation. President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the assault, alleging that militants, misguided by foreign influence, acted on India’s direction. India has yet to respond to the accusation, and no group has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack.

Police in Mymensingh’s Tarakanda arrested a man named Majnu Mia on Tuesday for allegedly cutting the dreadlocks and beard of an elderly man, Halim Uddin, against his will. The incident occurred on June 5, when several individuals restrained Halim and forcibly cut his hair and beard. A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread condemnation from different organizations and reports in national media outlets. Following the incident, Halim’s son, Shahid Akand, filed a case against 12 individuals, including seven identified suspects and five unnamed ones. Police have so far arrested only one accused, Majnu Mia, from Mymensingh Sadar. Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in this act of humiliation, which has drawn significant public outrage across the region.

The Trump administration’s steep increase in H-1B visa fees has shattered the aspirations of countless young Indians hoping to build careers in the US. Once costing around $2,000, visa expenses now reach up to $100,000, forcing employers to spend nearly $160,000 per hire. As a result, many US companies are turning to local workers, shrinking opportunities for Indian talent. Experts warn that IT, software, healthcare, and project management sectors will face major setbacks. Students and professionals feel targeted and unwelcome, while Indian government officials encourage skilled workers to return home. However, many may choose alternatives like Canada, Australia, or Europe. Analysts stress that this policy could harm not only Indian professionals but also America’s own economic growth and innovation ecosystem, with long-term consequences for the global tech industry.

A Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate court has rejected model and leadership trainer Meghna Alam’s request for the return of her passport, seized in a fraud and extortion case filed at Dhanmondi police station. Meghna, who often travels abroad for professional commitments, applied for its return, but the court denied it after Tuesday’s hearing. Her mobile and laptop are still under investigation for potential anti-state content. Previously detained under the Special Powers Act, Meghna was released on bail in April. The next case hearing is scheduled for November 11.

The Khagrachhari district administration has formed a five-member committee to investigate the recent violence in Guimara.

Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandaker made the announcement while visiting the affected areas on Tuesday.

He assured that the administration will stand by the victims, covering treatment costs and initiating rehabilitation programs. Discussions have also been held with protesters—seven of their eight demands have reportedly been addressed.

The DC urged that the matter be resolved through dialogue, promising that if the blockade is lifted, the administration would also withdraw Section 144.

Three new Hajj packages under private management for the upcoming year have been announced, with notable price hikes across all categories.

According to Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Secretary General Farid Ahmed Mazumder, the Special Hajj Package has been raised by Tk 51,000 to Tk 7.5 lakh. The General Package now costs Tk 5.5 lakh, an increase of Tk 27,000, while the Economy Package stands at Tk 5.1 lakh.

Unlike government-managed Hajj programs where meal expenses remain separate, all private packages include costs for food and Qurbani, promising improved services for pilgrims.